Two compounds that contain the elements carbon and chlorine are carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and chloroform (CHCl3). Which of the following statements describes the geometry around carbon in these two compounds?

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CCl4 has a tetrahedral geometry because it has four bonds and no lone pairs on the carbon atom. CHCl3 also has a tetrahedral geometry because it has three bonds and one lone pair on the carbon atom, which still results in a tetrahedral electron pair geometry; the molecular shape is described as "trigonal pyramidal," but the question specifically asks about the geometry around carbon, referring to the electron pair geometry.

Two Compounds That Contain the Elements Carbon and Chlorine Are